Read two books and call me in the morning.

Tarah Benner's   Colony One  sounded interesting and I was looking forward to reading an engaging and fun science fiction novel, but sadly, it fell short in every aspect. From its clichéd characters to its unsatisfying cliffhanger ending, this book left me feeling as though I wasted valuable time. Let's start with the characters. One would hope for a diverse and well-developed cast in a story set in a space colony, but instead, Benner presents us with cardboard cutouts straight out of a recycled script. We have the disheveled but perky pop-culture journalist who wants to be "the real thing," the brooding ex-military man who wants another chance, and a typical supporting cast of characters including the goofy sidekick and the mean girl. These characters lack any genuine depth or growth, making it impossible to care about their fates. It felt as though the author had simply assembled a checklist of clichéd archetypes rather than investing time and effort into creating m...

Translating Myself and Others by Jhumpa Lahiri is a captivating and introspective collection of essays that delves into the author's personal journey with language, translation, and identity. Known for her evocative storytelling and exploration of cultural experiences, Lahiri once again demonstrates her literary prowess in this thought-provoking compilation. The book takes readers on a multilingual voyage as Lahiri reflects on her own experiences of learning and mastering languages, particularly Italian. Lahiri's exploration of language is deeply intertwined with her exploration of self. Through her narratives, she beautifully expresses the complexities of cultural and linguistic identity, often blurring the lines between different languages and cultures. One of the highlights of this collection is Lahiri's ability to evoke vivid imagery and emotions. Her prose is rich and lyrical, drawing readers into her world and allowing them to experience her linguistic journey firstha...

  The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon is a triumph of epic fantasy, a tale that sweeps readers into a meticulously crafted world teeming with political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and wondrous dragons. Spanning continents and generations, Shannon weaves a complex tapestry of characters and cultures that will captivate readers from beginning to end. At the heart of this epic is a divided world, torn apart by a centuries-old conflict between the East and the West. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, each one richly developed and deeply compelling. Queen Sabran of Inys, duty-bound and burdened by the weight of her lineage, seeks to fulfill an ancient prophecy and ensure the survival of her realm. Ead Duryan, a powerful sorceress, serves as her protector, grappling with her loyalty and secret alliances. Tané, a dragonrider from the South, dreams of proving herself in a world dominated by men. And amidst the schemes and machinations, a sinister force looms,...